For a year, Rangers ownership has wanted to show off what Globe Life Field could look and feel like with a full house of fans. In a little more than a month, they might just get their wish.
Gov. Greg Abbott’s announcement Tuesday of a new set of executive orders to go into effect next week may just pave the way for the Rangers – and other local teams and venues – to welcome much bigger crowds than at any time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Abbott will end state-required mask mandates and allow all businesses to open up to full capacity starting Wednesday, he said during a news conference.
“We are encouraged by Governor Abbott’s announcement today, and we will be reviewing his Executive Order for full details,” Rangers chief operating officer and president of business operations Neil Leibman said in an email Tuesday.
“In the coming days we will work through the necessary operational logistics to put the required protocols and health measures in place,” Leibman added. “We look forward to responsibly welcoming fans to a Rangers game at Globe Life Field for the first time at the start of the 2021 season. Our new home was well received on the national stage as a National League Playoffs and World Series venue last year, and we are excited for Rangers fans to experience all that Globe Life Field has to offer.”
Abbott’s orders stand to potentially impact the Rangers more than other local pro teams who are already well into their seasons. FC Dallas and Double-A Frisco both open their seasons after the Rangers in smaller stadiums.
Mavs and Stars officials indicated there are no immediate plans to change protocols or attendance plans.
The University Interscholastic League, which governs public high school sports in Texas, did not immediately respond to requests for comment; the state high school basketball tournaments are scheduled to start next week in San Antonio.
In a statement, TAPPS deferred to member schools to establish their own policies, and SPC commissioner Bob Windham did not have a definite answer, saying they “assume we are going to stick with what we’re doing.”
The Mavs had 3,388 fans in attendance for their most recent home game at the American Airlines Center. In addition to front-line health care workers, who were the first fans allowed in, the Mavs have invited a limited number of season-ticket holders to the last two home games.
The Stars’ biggest attendance for a home game at the AAC is 4,299. They have averaged 4,077 with a capacity of 4,500, which represents about 25% of the building’s full occupancy.
Regardless of health and safety concerns, it may also be difficult for teams in-season to pivot a ticket program. It’s unclear if the NBA and NHL would allow for a larger attendance under the leagues’ health protocols.
The Rangers, however, have yet to announce a single-game ticket policy for 2021. After hosting the NL playoffs and World Series for MLB last season, with paid crowds of up to 11,450, they had been optimistic of allowing some fans into Globe Life Field for the upcoming season. They are scheduled to play the home opener on April 5 against Toronto, but have waited on a ticket policy, in part, to see what the latest government guidance might be.
One source indicated hope that the Rangers will be able to allow full occupancy for the start of the season. An MLB source indicated last week that teams would be responsible for adhering to their respective state and local government orders. The source also said guidance on fan attendance could change as circumstances change.
While Gov. Abbott announced the expiration of a statewide mask mandate with the executive orders, businesses may still make their own decisions on masks. A source indicated that if the Rangers do allow larger crowds, they will consider making mask-wearing mandatory.
FC Dallas, which opens its season on April 17, and the Frisco RoughRiders, who open May 4, indicated they were reviewing the executive orders.
“As we work towards our opening weekend on April 17, we’re committed to operating responsibly and in conjunction with MLS policy to ensure that all the proper health and safety measures are in place for our fans, guests, players and staff,” FC Dallas vice president of communications and media Gina Miller said via text.
Staff writers Callie Caplan, Matthew DeFranks, Joe Hoyt and Greg Riddle contributed to this report.
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